Said large rocks left on Lower Chandler Hill Road (Chandler Township) last week were a disgrace to the Road Commission; Mr. Harmon explained situation to Board, adding a grader operator worked Thursday night and Friday correcting the problem. Investigation is ongoing.

10:30 AM-Annual Snowmobile Meeting. Scott Way requested CCRC continue supporting the snowmobile industry by allowing road right-of-way travel, adding statewide death rates are down. Mr. Harmon said there were roadway and private property issues on the county’s northeast side, but not many on the trail system (winter 2004-05). He said the groomer leaves snow across roads. Mr. Richardson has groomed trails for three years without leaving snow across the road, he feels the build up is from snowmobiles accelerating over the opposite bank; Mr. Howard agrees. Mr. Howard appreciates weekday law enforcement, but stressed need for police vehicles on Saturdays during heavy snowmobile traffic when they travel three or four abreast down primary Springvale Road. Scott Way said new trail maps should help keep riders on the trails.

Commissioner Ogden pointed out Mr. Harmon sent a letter requesting trail enforcement to the DNR, Sheriff Department and snowmobile clubs 1-2 years ago, which seemed to help. Mr. Howard feels reduced problems in 2004-05 season were due to economics and weather conditions.

Scott Way informed all present the snowmobile clubs have offered a free $7,000 snowmobile to the Sheriff Department for trail patrol. He said a patrol car with radar in a high-speed area giving tickets would make riders more cautious; news travels fast in the circuit. Mr. Howard reiterated there is no law enforcement in Charlevoix County on Saturday nights when it is mostly needed.

Commissioner Ogden moved to allow snowmobiles to operate on Charlevoix County road rights-of-way within the guidelines of the law, to be effective today and continue until such time as the Board deems it necessary to hold a future public hearing to review snowmobile operation, seconded by Commissioner Saunders.